Should I work out when I’m sick?

Great question. Let me start by saying I’m not a medical professional, so I’m not technically qualified to give you that kind of advice. But, as someone who doesn’t like to miss a workout, I have researched and read up on the topic.

I’ve been feeling sick lately myself – headache, congestion, fatigue. My general rule of thumb is to “sweat it out”, but solo. I don’t go to crossfit when I’m feeling sick. Bringing my germs to a room full of people and sneezing on shared equipment? It’s inconsiderate to other gym-goers. Instead, I stick to a home workout or an outdoor run at a slower-than-usual pace.

There are also certain symptoms that I don’t think are best helped by “sweating it out”. If I’m sick to my stomach or have a fever, I focus on rest. Generally, my body is way too tired to do anything when I’m that kind of sick anyway.